Overview

The Tale of the Tiger

Visit the 'Golden Triangle' and Ranthambore, Rajasthan's famous tiger reserve with local expert guides throughout

Ranthambore is the quintessential Rajasthan wildlife park. Dominated by a 1,000 year-old fort, the landscape is dotted with cupolas, temples and memorial stones all bearing witness to a varied and fascinating history. The mighty Mughal Emperor Akbar fought a battle here for control of the fort but today the tiger rules the thick forest gorges that surround it. This magnificent feline, the national symbol of India, is represented in art, literature and folklore. Tales abound of the tiger's prowess, elegance and glowing amber eyes. To hunt the tiger was against tribal beliefs but as hunting for sport became big business, to bag a tiger was considered the greatest challenge.

With the invention of firearms, the odds were stacked in favour of man and the tiger population was reduced at a time when this was considered normal practice (even Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were photographed here with a dead tiger). Almost too late, India realised the very existence of the tiger was in jeopardy and with numbers becoming perilously low, government intervention was needed to curtail hunters and poachers alike.

The tiger is still an endangered species but here the visitor has a good chance to glimpse this elusive beast in the wild. In order to protect the tigers further, there are moves to restrict access and raise prices for the National Parks, so a visit sooner rather than later is recommended. Due to topography and vegetation and the determination to find a tiger, game drives differ from those in Africa. However, they provide a rewarding and uniquely Indian experience.

Key Features

Special Events

Maharaja’s Residence, Tiger Talk and Bollywood Show

Cocktail at the Polo Bar and dinner at the Rajput Room of Rambagh Palace, former home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. An evening talk by a naturalist on tigers at Ranthambore, whilst enjoying a glass of local wine. Bollywood show and light dinner in Gurgaon.

Day 1Fly overnight direct from London Heathrow to Delhi.

Day 2Transfer to the 5-star Sheraton Hotel for two nights. Visit Qutab Minar. (D)

Day 4Early morning Gatimaan Express to Agra. Visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Optional visit to the 'Baby Taj' and Mughal garden across the water from the Taj Mahal (£17, bookable locally). Overnight stay at the 5-star ITC Mughal, spread over 35 acres of luxurious gardens. (B)

Day 5Drive to Akbar's abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri. Visit by rickshaw the bird sanctuary of Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur. Stay overnight at the heritage Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace. (B, D)

Day 6Optional early morning second visit by rickshaw to Keoladeo National Park (£25, bookable locally). Drive to Ranthambore (3 hrs). Stay two nights at the 4-star Ranthambore Regency Hotel on full board. Tiger Talk by a naturalist. (B, D)

Day 7 Early morning and afternoon game drives by jeep in Ranthambore National Park. Between safaris time to relax by the pool. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Early morning game drive by jeep. Travel to Jaipur (4 hrs) with a farm visit and lunch en route at Umaid Lake. Two nights at the 5-star ITC Rajputana Hotel. (B, L)

Day 9 Optional morning balloon ride in the Jaipur area (£170, pre-bookable). Visit the Amber Fort, City Palace, Observatory and view the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Cocktail and dinner at Rambagh Palace. (B, D)

ITC Mughal - Agra

Sprawled over 35 acres of luxurious gardens, and in close proximity to the Taj Mahal, ITC Mughal, a 5-star luxury hotel in Agra is a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. Restaurants, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (chargeable). 233 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, TV and tea/coffee making facilities.

Laxmi Villas Palace - Bharatpur

Ranthambore Regency - Ranthambore National Park

The Ranthambore Regency is a 4-star family run hotel with a restaurant, bar, pool, spa and WiFi (free). 72 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities.

London/Delhi/LondonJet Airways Première ClassReturn from £1495Jet Airways Première ClassOne way from £845Emirates from Manchester or Birmingham £95Emirates Business Class from £2395British Airways from Heathrow £95British Airways World Traveller Plus from £495British Airways Club World from £1895

Optional Excursions

Morning Balloon Ride £170

Extension Options

We offer a wide variety of pre- and post-tour extensions, clickhere for more information.

Price IncludesAir travel and taxes, transfers, 9 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 6 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

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